prev story

next story

What's Your Coffee Order? Are You A Barista's Worst Nightmare?

I thought I was bad--until I was behind a woman ordering a "six-Splenda, no-foam, 130-degrees nonfat latte, with the Splenda stirred in before the milk is added." Oh. My. God.

But I have to admit:

I'm guilty of the way-too-specific Starbucks order--and observing this lady this morning, all wound up tight over her java temp, was like a big flashing sign to be slightly less annoying. Mine usually goes something like this: "Grande, decaf, extra-hot soy Americano with extra foam." Then when I get to the counter to pick it up, I ask, "Is this regular?" (I've figured out that they're more likely to tell me the truth than if I simply ask, "Is this decaf?")

Bottom line: Coffee shouldn't be this stressful! And really, gripping control over a Starbucks order doesn't translate into having control over your life--as much as we'd like to believe otherwise.

So, I give up. "Grande decaf soy Americano, please."

Oh, and "Thank you."

What's your coffee order? And what's the most ridiculous thing you've heard someone else ask for in the coffee line?